Lionel Messi doesn’t usually make headlines for losing his cool.
But during Inter Miami’s heated 2–2 draw with the Philadelphia Union, things got a little too spicy — and now the MLS has stepped in.
Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by the league after making contact with Philadelphia midfielder Quinn Sullivan late in the match. MLS said Messi violated its policy regarding hands to the face, head or neck of an opponent.
The incident happened deep into stoppage time. Messi appeared frustrated after Sullivan made contact with him, and the Argentine star responded by reaching toward Sullivan’s head and neck area.
The referee intervened, and the situation didn’t immediately result in a card for Messi. But the league reviewed what happened afterward and decided a fine was necessary.
And Messi wasn’t the only Inter Miami player punished.
Defender Ian Fray was also fined for a separate incident involving Sullivan. The match itself ended with even more drama, as Inter Miami’s Yannick Bright and Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan were sent off during the chaotic closing moments.
Interestingly, Cavan Sullivan later got his red card overturned after Philadelphia successfully appealed the decision, meaning he was cleared to play in the team’s next match.
Messi Still Gets the Last Word
Despite all the drama, Messi still managed to make his mark on the match.
He scored for Inter Miami in the 2–2 draw, but the result left Miami sitting second in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind Nashville.
The fine is another reminder that even the biggest stars aren’t above the rules.
Messi won’t be suspended, but he’ll definitely be keeping his hands to himself a little more carefully next time.
